DescriptionThe Initial Educator License – In State route is for those who have completed an approved educator preparation program for the first time in a license category.License Valid for 5 YearsCollection of social security number is a requirement.Employment: Not Required

Minimum Academic BackgroundIn most states, teachers must have a minimum academic background for certification. The following is required for this route:BA Degree + Completed State Approved Teacher Education Program

Basic SkillsIn most states, teachers must verify basic skills in English (Reading and Writing) and Mathematics through coursework, exams, or degree evaluations.
The following is required for this route:

Teacher PreparationIn most states, teachers are required to complete training in education methods through a teacher program.
The following is required for this route:
State Approved Teacher Education Program

Content Language and English Language ProficiencyIn most states, teachers are required to submit evidence of content language proficiency and English language proficiency through coursework, exams, or degree evaluations.
The following is required for this route:

Applicants enrolled in a Wisconsin World Language teacher program that have met passing scores in Praxis II: Subject Area Tests in French (0173), German (0181) and Spanish (0191) prior to September 2011 may use these scores.

Applying to the State
In most states, teachers must apply to the state Individually or through their local School District, or Teacher Program Institution. Requirements for the application are outlined below:

Renewal: Nonrenewable
This Initial Educator License is valid for 5 years.

After at least 3 years of successful employment and the completion of a verified PDP initial educator can apply via Educator Licensing Online system to advance license.

Educators must submit verified PDP through the QEI or WECAN PDP and obtain verification of employment using the PI-1613 form.

If an educator chooses not to work or cannot find a position in the license category of the Initial Educator License, the Initial Educator License may be reissued with an application/fee at the end of the 5-year period.

See http://dpi.wi.gov/tepdl/initial-educators for more information regarding reissuance and extensions for the initial license.

Notes:Processing time is estimated.Issuance or renewal of license/permit is conditional pending background check.

All information remains confidential.

Applicant will be notified only if background check is unsatisfactory.

GENERAL NOTES FOR THIS ROUTEThe Initial Educator License is a 5-year Non-renewable license unless the individual has not been employed in his/her license category for at least 3 years within the 5-year period. If an educator chooses not to work or cannot find a position in the license category of the Initial Educator License, the Initial Educator License may be reissued with an application/fee at the end of the 5-year period.

INITIAL = first time request for a license
ADVANCE = move from an Initial Educator License to a Professional Educator License
EXTEND (also called Downgrade or Extension) = add one additional year to a 5-year Initial Educator License or a 5-year Professional Educator License because the educator did not complete the required professional development
REACTIVATE (also called Return to Active) = renewing a Professional Educator License after it has been expired for more than one year
REISSUE = issue another 5-year Initial Educator License because the educator did not complete three years of work experience
RENEW = issue a new 5-year Professional Educator License based on completion of required professional development
REVALIDATE = the process of making a Life License valid again after it has been invalidated due to the educator not working in the field for five consecutive years
UPGRADE = renew to a new 5-year Professional Educator License after having a 1 year Professional Educator License and completing the required professional development